Summary

Chapter 26 begins with Jimmy taking Maureen to have her wrist X-rayed. Jimmy notes, “It was late in his life to feel a son’s duty” (349). He also considers the oddity of being born of Maureen’s body, and how “his just being alive had ruined her life” (351).

The next scene opens on Tony in a hospital, as well. Ryan has overdosed on multiple drugs after a fight with Karine, who is distraught because she thinks that Ryan tried to kill himself because of her. Tony agrees to have Ryan put in a psychiatric unit after he wakes up. Tony goes outside for a cigarette and is greeted by Jimmy, whom Tony accuses of taking his son from him to save Jimmy’s own family. Jimmy tells Tony that Ryan was already corrupted before Jimmy had him deal with Georgie.

When...